From 'Odyssey' to 'Toy Story 5,' the summer's most intriguing films
From 'Odyssey' to 'Toy Story 5,' the summer's most intriguing films
George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon JournalThu, May 14, 2026 at 10:04 AM UTC
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Summer movie season descends in earnest in the coming weeks.
Some may contend it already has with the release of “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “Mortal Kombat II,” but mid-May has become the inflection point. In perusing the release calendar from the major studios, there are not many that can be considered buzzworthy from my perspective.
Yes, there are sequels, remakes and new entries into established franchises, but there isn’t much that makes my eyes pop from their sockets.
That, however, isn’t necessarily a deterrent. It means there's a lot that’s unknown about most of the summer’s film releases, which means audiences can be in for a fun ride. As for me, here are the 10 films that do raise my eyebrows in order of interest:
“The Odyssey” (Universal Pictures) – opening July 17
Sure, most film fans want to see a film adapted from a poem written close to 2,800 years ago. Certainly trips my trigger, mostly because it stars Matt Damon, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattison, Lupita Nyong’o and Charlize Theron, and, well, if any director can pull this off, it’s Christopher Nolan.
“Disclosure Day” (Universal Pictures) – opening June 12
Another director who could put together something as epic as “The Odyssey?” Steven Spielberg. Spielberg, however, is back to exploring a topic he’s familiar with – aliens – as he asks whether humans are ready to deal with the fact that we are not alone in the universe. And the costume designer is Akron's own Paul Tazewell.
“Supergirl” (Warner Bros.) – opening June 26
After James Gunn’s “Superman” last year, the expectations for the next chapter in the studio’s DC universe chapter have risen. Based on the trailer, "Supergirl" looks to be one wild ride as Milly Alcock dons the cape as Kara Zor-El with Jason Momoa joining the party as the anti-hero Lobo (look him up, folks).
“The Crash” (Netflix) – streaming May 15
This documentary explores the incident that made headlines throughout Ohio when a 17-year-old, Mackenzie Shirilla, from Strongsville, crashes her car, killing her boyfriend and his friend who were also inside. But things prove to be not what they seem.
“Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” (Walt Disney Studios) – opening May 22
The Disney+ series gets the big screen treatment as The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and the cute and cuddly Grogu get their moment in the Star Wars universe.
Left to right: The Mandalorian and Grogu in Lucasfilm's "The Mandalorian and Grogu."“Pressure” (Focus Features) – opening May 29
We live in a world where meteorology is made sexy on the big screen and the guy who portrayed George of the Jungle at the early stages of his career plays a forceful, commanding Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower as he has to make tough decisions regarding the Allied invasion at Normandy on D-Day.
“Masters of the Universe” (Amazon MGM Studios) – opening June 5
Gen X and even Gen Jones will recognize the name He-Man with fondness given the popularity of this 1980s era animated series. The cast here is no joke either as director Travis Knight gets the likes of Idris Elba and Oscar-winner Jared Leto on board to help Nicholas Galitzine in his starring role as He-Man.
“Toy Story 5” (Pixar/Disney) – Opening June 19
Woody and Buzz Lightyear in Pixar's "Toy Story 5."
The classic series was nearly ruined for me with “Toy Story 4.” Its return and subsequent interest is more of a curiosity than having high expectations, even with Buzz and Woody returning.
“Chris & Martina: The Final Set” (Netflix) – streaming
Two tennis legends – Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert – battled for years on the court. They eventually shared a battle later in life off it. This documentary explores it.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (Sony Pictures) – opening July 31
Jon Watts has departed the Tom Holland-led series, but don’t fret. Destin Daniel Cretton (“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”) steps in to further the adventures of Peter Parker.
A scene from "Spider-Man: A Brand New Day."The summer movie release calendar
May 15
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"The Crash" (Netflix)
"Is God Is" (Amazon MGM Studios)
"Obsession" (Focus Features)
May 22
“Ladies First” (Netflix)
“Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” (Walt Disney Studios)
May 29
"The Breadwinner" (Sony Pictures)
"Pressure" (Focus Features)
June 5
“Masters of the Universe” (Amazon MGM Studios)
“Mexico 86” (Netflix)
“Office Romance” (Netflix)
“Scary Movie” (Paramount Pictures)
June 12
“Disclosure Day” (Universal Pictures)
“I Am Frankelda” (Netflix)
June 19
“Girls Like Girls” (Focus Features)
“Toy Story 5” (Pixar/Disney)
“Voicemails for Isabelle” (Netflix)
June 26
“Chris & Martina: The Final Set” (Netflix)
“Little Brother” (Netflix)
“Supergirl” (Warner Bros.)
July 1
“Enola Holmes 3” (Netflix)
“Minions & Monsters” (Universal)
July 10
“Moana” (Walt Disney Studios)
July 17
“The Odyssey” (Universal Pictures)
July 22
“72 Hours” (Netflix)
July 31
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (Sony Pictures)
Aug. 7
“The Last House” (Netflix)
“Super Troopers 3” (Searchlight Pictures)
Aug. 14
“Don’t Say Good Luck” (Netflix)
“Six: The Musical Live!” (Focus Features)
“The End of Oak Street” (Warner Bros.)
Aug. 28
“The Dog Stars” (20th Century Studios)
“The Whisper Man” (Netflix)
George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan films lead way for summer season
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